Don't like wine? No Worries! 21 Hop It Stops for Every Taste

When you think of the Yarra Valley, Mornington or the Bellarine, chances are your mind goes straight to wine and fair enough, the regions are world-famous for it. But here’s a little secret: we've pack our Hop It routes with stops that go beyond the grape.

From barrel-aged rum to cider, smoky BBQ to lavender fields and cheese tastings, there's a whole world of flavour and fun waiting for you. So whether you're wine-d out, travelling with someone who prefers a different kind of sip, or just want to mix things up a little, we've got you covered.

Here’s our guide to the best non-wine stops on Hop It that prove the good times don’t always come in a bottle of Pinot.

Yarra Valley

Venue	Route	Info
Coombe Estate	🔴🟢	Dame Nellie’s old estate serves up heritage with a twist – lavender gin?Yes please.
Napoleone Cider	🔴🟢	Locally grown apples and pears turned into beautifully balanced ciders. It’s orchard-to-glass magic.
Rochford Wines	🔴	Sure, there’s wine – but did you know Rochford also produces gin? Sip yours overlooking the vines.
Watts River Brewing	🔴	Small, independent and beer-obsessed. A local haunt with serious brewing chops and relaxed community vibes.
Four Pillars Distillery	🔴	A world-famous gin distillery right in the heart of Healesville. Come for a tasting, stay for a cocktail. Then buy a bottle… or three.
Yarra Valley Dairy	🟢	Soft, creamy, and locally legendary. This charming farmhouse is home to handmade cheeses that’ll have you questioning your life choices if you skip it.
Yarra Valley Chocolaterie	🟢	A chocoholic’s dream with sweeping valley views. Watch the chocolatiers in action, then dive into free tastings, colourful displays, and over 250 kinds of temptation.

Chocolate Tasting at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie

Mornington Peninsula

Venue	Info
Cocoa Rouge at Mont Rouge Estate	This one’s for the sweet tooths. Cocoa Rouge crafts luxe, small-batch chocolates and creamy ice creams using top-shelf Belgian and French chocolate.
Red Gum BBQ	Low and slow is the name of the game here. Think brisket, bourbon, and big flavour – Red Gum is a smoky slice of the American South tucked into Red Hill.
Mock Red Hill Cider	Biodynamic apples, tangy ciders, and sparkling fruit tonics. This fifth-generation orchard proves apples aren’t just for lunchboxes.
Main Ridge Dairy	Say cheese! Handmade goat’s cheese is the star here – from creamy to crumbly, there’s a wedge with your name on it.
Red Hill Lavender Farm	Lavender isn’t just a pretty scent – it's also ice cream, spritz, and Insta-gold. Stop in for a sensory reset in purple paradise.
Bass & Flinders Distillery	From grape-based spirits to their signature Gin, Bass & Flinders distil the Mornington vibe into every bottle. Refined, coastal, and a little bit cheeky.
JimmyRum Distillery	Rum’s having a renaissance, and Jimmy’s leading the charge. Sip a spiced or silver and get converted – this is not your granddad’s rum.
Jetty Road Brewery	Big flavour, laid-back vibe. Their pale ale is legendary, but with a full tap lineup and a solid food menu, you can’t really go wrong.
TwoBays Brewing	The go-to for gluten-free beer lovers. These guys are proof that you can cut the gluten and keep the craft.
Mr Little Cider	Small batch, big personality. These ciders are crisp, dry, and perfect for sipping in the sunshine.

JimmyRum Distillery

Bellarine Peninsula

Venue	Info
Bellarine Estate	Beyond the wines, they’ve dived into the world of small-batch spirits. Expect gins and liqueurs as bold as the bay views.
The Whiskery	Part gin distillery, part whisky den, all-around cool. Home of the award-winning Teddy & The Fox gin – and good times.
FarmDog Brewing	Where craft beer meets cellar door charm. This spot’s perfect for chilled-out tastings with a farmyard twist.
Flying Brick Cider	Crisp, cold, and a little bit funky. Their house-made ciders hit the spot – with music and great food to match.

The Whiskery

🚌 Ready to Hop Off the Wine Wagon?

Whether you’re skipping the wine altogether or just want to mix things up between tastings, these stops prove there’s so much more to explore across our Hop It routes. From chocolates to cheese, rum to refreshing cider – the regions we visit are packed with flavour in all its forms.

So next time you hop on, go beyond the bottle. Make it a day that tastes like you. 🍫🍺🧀🍸

Check out our routes, plan your perfect day, and book your seat at www.hopit.com.au. Let’s ride.

Let's get hopping